The Camp Around the Corner: Day Camp

Camp is an expanded learning environment that provides a hands-on experiential education like no other. For families who feel a sleep-away camp is not the right fit, but still want their child to experience all that camp has to offer, the answer may be right around the corner at a day camp. The benefits of day camp are extensive:

• Camp close to home — Maybe a child is too young for resident camp, or scheduling does not allow for extended time away from home. In either situation, day camp is an excellent alternative.

• So much to do — Day camps offer a wide range of programming and activities. Like resident camps, day camps offer team building activities, leadership training, and wilderness programs.

• Keep those neurons pumping — Research indicates that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps reduce learning loss. Camp is the ultimate classroom, using experiences to teach problem-solving and skill-development.

• Get those bodies moving — Camp provides children the opportunity to try new things and participate in human-powered activities. According to research conducted by the American Camp Association (ACA), 63 percent of children who learn new activities at camp tend to continue engaging in these activities after they return home, leading to continued physical exercise that lasts a lifetime.

• Budget-friendly options — In certain circumstances, day care expenses, including transportation by a care provider, may be considered dependent care services and paid with a dependent care flexible spending account or pre-tax dollars. In addition, day camps may qualify for special tax incentives like child and dependent care tax credits.

Day camp is life-changing, providing growth and development through teachable moments, experiences, friendships, and most importantly, fun.

About ACA

The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.CampParents.org.